A Practical Guide to Fact-Finding Hearings in Public and Private Law Proceedings in Family Law

In her debut book, Lisa Edmunds – CEO and Senior Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers – takes readers on an insightful journey into the craft and methodology of fact-finding hearings in family law. Drawing on her extensive experience, Lisa unpacks the nuanced processes that define the pursuit of truth in cases involving children, shedding light on the critical distinctions between family and criminal courts.

This comprehensive guide explores:

• The unique challenges of fact-finding in private and public law children cases.
• Practical strategies for tailoring case presentations to judges.
• The evolving role of transparency and the potential of AI in future legal practice.

A must-read for legal professionals, ‘A Practical Guide to Fact-Finding Hearings in Public and Private Law Proceedings in Family Law’ combines technical expertise with a deep passion for advocacy, offering invaluable tools to enhance your trial preparation and courtroom strategy. Whether you’re an accomplished barrister or a budding advocate, this book equips you to navigate one of the most complex and impactful areas of family law with confidence and precision.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Edmunds, CEO and Senior Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers, is one of the UK’s leading authorities in family law advocacy. Renowned for her expertise in highly sensitive and complex children law cases, Lisa has spent over two decades representing parents, guardians, and local authorities. Her dedication to safeguarding the best interests of children has earned her recognition as a Legal 500 Leading Junior and a Chambers & Partners Ranked Advocate in Family Law: Children.

Lisa’s pragmatic, approachable style and her fearless advocacy have set her apart as a trusted leader in the legal profession. She is celebrated for her meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and ability to handle the most challenging cases with care and precision. Her accolades include leading Unit Chambers to win Family Law Chambers of the Year at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards and Lexis Nexis Legal Awards in 2024.

Beyond the courtroom, Lisa is a thought leader, mentor, and speaker who regularly delivers impactful training for social workers, police officers, and legal professionals. Her sessions tackle the nuances of family law, from safeguarding children to navigating coercive control cases.

Lisa’s debut book reflects her passion for advocacy and education. Designed for legal practitioners, this book offers a comprehensive, strategic guide to the complex world of fact-finding hearings, equipping readers with tools to excel in this critical area of family law.

CONTENTS

Chapter One – Introduction to Fact Finds in Children Act Proceedings
Chapter Two – When is a Finding of Fact Hearing Necessary?
Chapter Three – Case Preparation
Chapter Four – Participation Directions
Chapter Five – Re W and ABE Interviews
Chapter Six – QLRs
Chapter Seven – Legal Principles When Determining the Allegation
Chapter Eight – What Happens Next?
Chapter Nine – Costs
Chapter Ten – Reopening Finding of Fact Hearings
Chapter Eleven – Appealing Findings of Fact
Conclusions and Future Developments